Last updated: March 2021

An online Master of Psychology degree provides a foundation in basic scientific methods and psychological principles. Graduates will possess the knowledge, skills and disposition to affect change in people and organizations. Topics may cover lifespan development, behavior management, research and analysis, counseling, intervention and psychopathology and prepare students to make a difference in the world—just how big of an impact depends on one’s reason for pursuing a master’s degree and plans after graduation.

Start your career in psychology with our sponsored online masters program:

Earn an MA in Psychology Online from Pepperdine

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Psychology program prepares students to pursue doctoral study or a career in human services.

• Open to all undergrad majors
• No GRE required 
• Can be completed in about 18 months

Request more info from Pepperdine University.

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MA in Psychology Vs. MS in Psychology | What Can You Do With a Master’s in Psychology? | Master of Psychology Degree Concentrations | Earning an Online Master’s in Psychology | Doctorate in Psychology | Return to Top

Graduate-level psychology programs offer two, different degree tracks: the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology and the Master of Science (MS) in Psychology. While there is an overlap in program coursework, each degree has significant differences. Prospective students will need to consider their academic interests and desired career paths to choose the appropriate program.

The MA degree tends to emphasize liberal arts, humanitarian studies, and counseling. This degree benefits students who wish to work in client care, as it focuses on more direct psychological theory, assessment, and intervention.

The MS degree often indicates a stronger focus on behavioral, research, and statistical science. Students pursuing careers in research or academic writing may benefit from this degree. Coursework may focus on advanced statistics and research methodology.

Since the academic requirements for MS and MA degrees are often very similar, we may instead distinguish between terminal stand-alone and doctoral-preparatory Master of Psychology degrees.

The American Psychological Association indicates that a master’s degree in psychology can provide numerous opportunities for students entering the workforce. Some of which, we outlined in our guide: “What Can You Do With a Master’s in Psychology?”.

Many states permit professionals with master’s-level degrees to work in clinical, counseling, and school psychology as therapists, counselors, and other mental health clinicians. However, many people utilize their psychology degrees in business industries to work as human resource managers, advertising agents, or market researchers. Furthermore, some professionals work in local, state, or federal government positions as parole officers, social services managers, and employment counselors. Explore our guide to see if a master’s in psychology is right for you.

A master’s degree in psychology provides the foundation for a number of careers in the public and private sectors. Although licensed independent practice as a “psychologist” typically requires a doctoral degree and postdoctoral training, there are also opportunities for individuals with master’s-level training in psychology.

Of the states that grant licenses to individuals with a master’s degree, some allow for autonomous practice while others require supervision by a doctoral level licensed psychologist. In either case, a master’s-level license in psychology will open new opportunities to work in the field. Some of the licenses that are available with a master’s of psychology include:

There are also jobs in the public and private sectors that fall under the umbrella of psychology or involve some of the principles of psychology but don’t require licensure. For example, you may be able to work as a survey researcher, market research analyst, human resources manager, behavioral consultant or researcher. For more information, see our guide on how to become a psychologist.

You don’t need a master’s degree to be admitted into a doctoral psychology program, but depending on the point you’re at in your career, you may consider it.

The American Psychological Association (APA) and many state licensing boards state that doctoral education and training is necessary to practice as a psychologist. In other words, a doctorate in psychology is the standard for anyone looking to conduct independent research or practice as a licensed psychologist.

If you’re thinking about this path but aren’t ready to commit to a doctoral program, an online Master of Psychology degree program may allow you to get a firsthand taste of what graduate psychology studies are like so you can decide on a doctorate later.

When you enroll in an online Master of Psychology degree program, you may be able to choose a specialization to focus on a particular subfield of psychology practice. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes 15 specialties of professional psychology. Popular master’s-level psychology concentrations you may be able to select include:

Interested in a career in psychology? Check out our guide to online master’s degrees in clinical psychology for more information.

Learn more about a career as a behavior analyst and check out our guide to online master’s degrees in behavioral psychology or our guide to online master’s in applied behavior analysis.

Hundreds of universities offer master’s in psychology degrees, and it is essential that students research their options to apply for the right program.

With many students choosing to work or raise families while obtaining their degrees, online learning provides certain flexibility and convenience.

Online school admission requirements vary depending on the institution. Typically, more competitive schools require a minimum grade point average and the submission of GRE scores.

Start your career in psychology with our sponsored online masters program:

Earn an MA in Psychology Online from Pepperdine

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Psychology program prepares students to pursue doctoral study or a career in human services.

• Open to all undergrad majors
• No GRE required 
• Can be completed in about 18 months

Request more info from Pepperdine University.

info SPONSORED

Online school program lengths also vary according to the institution’s requirements and semester credit loads. For a clinical psychology master’s degree, students should expect to complete the program within one to three years, while a master’s degree in behavioral psychology may take two to three years.

The master’s in psychology online curriculum typically includes coursework in relevant principles including social psychology, lifespan development, research theory and methods, personality, and cognitive psychology. Students may also be required to complete some elective courses.

Every institution has unique application requirements for enrollment. However, prospective students should expect to provide the following:

Resume: This resume should highlight paid employment, internships, or volunteering positions in psychology or psychology-related fields.

Personal Essay or Statement: Many schools want to assess a potential candidate’s critical thinking and writing skills. This assignment provides you the opportunity to showcase your passion and dedication to psychology.

Letters of Recommendation: Schools may request 2-3 letters of recommendation from past or current employers or professors who can vouch for your work ethic and character.

The learning outcomes for graduate programs vary on the type of degree and the institution. Some programs prepare for licensure in specific concentrations, and the coursework provides the foundational curriculum to equip students for their future careers.

Coursework varies depending on the university and the program, but students may learn:

Most programs require the completion of a thesis or equivalent project (comprehensive exam, writing assignment) to demonstrate the successful integration of such learning outcomes.

Online students may require appropriate and unique accommodations to feel supported and succeed in their programs. On traditional campuses, students typically receive services at school directly. However, student support for online students may entail a hybrid of electronic communication that includes phone calls, email, video conferencing, text messaging, and live chats.

Online support varies depending on the institution, but the options may include:

Many programs require synchronous or live class discussions as part of their curriculum. Synchronous classes refer to interactive discussions that may entail video or audio chatting options. Students meet in a virtual classroom and speak with their professors directly.

Depending on the institution, students may be required to attend these classes. If they cannot participate, they may need to notify the professor in advance.

Nonsynchronous classes, on the other hand, includes coursework without current time restraints. This may involve uploading homework, participating in classroom discussion or message boards, and reviewing course content. While there are deadlines for completion, students can work at their own pace.

Smaller class sizes are associated with higher individual attention, enhanced participation, and improved communication between the instructor and the students.

In larger classes, instructors tend to emphasize factual knowledge. However, they’re less likely to cultivate communication skills. As a result, students may struggle to feel connected or inspired by the material they learn. This lack of enthusiasm can result in performance problems and inattention.

The doctorate in psychology is the highest, academic degree psychology students can receive. In addition to clinical expertise, the doctorate program primarily focuses on preparing students to teach in higher education, conduct psychological research, and publish academic writing.

For specific careers, such as licensed psychologists, the doctorate is a requirement. Other jobs in psychology, however, require ‘terminal degrees,’ which people may obtain at a master’s level. Terminal degrees do not need the doctorate, although some professionals do opt to obtain them.

Prospective doctoral students must assess both their long-term career goals and financial status when considering their academic plans. These programs require time, dedication, financial commitment, and emotional persistence. Thus, students should thoroughly research their higher education options and career prospects before enrolling.

The Ph.D. and PsyD are both doctorate-level degrees. Both programs provide an advanced psychology curriculum, and both programs prepare students to become licensed psychologists.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) has an intensive focus on statistical analysis and research methods. Students who wish to interpret or conduct their own research or work in higher education teaching often pursue this track. The Ph.D. program tends to take five to seven years to complete, with students spending their last part of the curriculum focusing and completing their dissertations.

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a newer degree that also provides an advanced concentration on clinical knowledge and practical application. Instead of a coursework emphasis on research or statistics, the program prepares students to work with patients or clients directly. The average PsyD program takes four to six years to complete. Students often have the option to complete a dissertation or an equivalent clinical project.

Dual degree programs allow students to receive both a doctorate and a master’s degree within the same program. To achieve these degrees, the institution “double-counts” some of the curriculum’s course credits towards the completion of both degrees.

As a result, even though coursework may be intensive, the overall process takes less time than if the student were to complete each degree separately. However, before applying, it is essential for students to understand the commitment of enrolling in such a program.

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